Term: residual spectrum/background spectrum
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.R05314

Definition:
Set of peaks recorded in the absence of a sample and due either to small air leaks or to the presence of molecules desorbed from the walls of the introduction device or the source, or from the pump fluid.

Source: PAC, 1990, 62, 2167. 'Glossary of atmospheric chemistry terms (Recommendations 1990)' on page 2211 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199062112167)

Citation: 'residual spectrum/background spectrum' in IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 5th ed. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; 2025. Online version 5.0.0, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.R05314

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